(Community Matters) It’s a gorgeous day in DC. Highlight of the panels and meetings was hearing from Hilary Rosen and Jonathan Capehart. As well, enjoying the conversations and presentations from HRC senior staff and national & regional political leaders.
I am reflecting on DC, fundraising, giving, relationships, efficacy and the clubiness. I was on HRC’s board ages ago. Surprised how many of directors still on board. That’s a good thing in many ways, and there’s definitely an insider/outsider thing happening. One would expect a bit more love from the organization’s ED and long time board members for the major donors assembled.
That’s just the Washington way – talking with folks looking over your shoulders, folks evaluating whether you’re important enough or not to speak to, a million dollar smile while they are asking for money, averting eyes when they are looking for the next wallet – just the DC way. I’m more interested in what’s getting accomplished and am fortunate enough to get smiled at more than my fair share. But, I don’t like the clubiness, even when I’m invited inside. At near 50yo, I realize we are at a disadvantage when we aren’t spending time with the 20-somethings and 30-somethings. I’m participating, evaluating whether staff is really listening, really soliciting opinions from outside the beltway. I worry that I may help raise money for organizations with too little respect for their donors, for their donors’ opinions and for the value of their dollars. Fortunately, HRC appears to have a high level of accountability for its spend, even if perhaps the beltway mentality that great ideas are only born here.
A good leadership summit so far. Posted from my blackberry
Community Matters 